Safeguarding

SAFEGUARDING AT HOLLYMOUNT SCHOOL

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Mrs P Jackson, Headteacher

Miss Ann Pope, Deputy Headteacher

Designated Safeguarding Governor

Isy Howard

Hollymount School recognises that it has a duty to ensure arrangements are in place for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and carry out this duty through our teaching and learning, pastoral care and extended school activities. All members of the school community (including volunteers and governors) will at all times establish and maintain a safe and stimulating environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk to adults they can trust and are listened to. (A copy of the Code of Conduct for Safe Practice is available from the school office).

The Designated members of staff for Child protection are the Headteacher and Deputy Head.

Both officers have received appropriate training and are responsible for the completion of the required paperwork and ensuring these confidential records are stored securely. It is the responsibility of the designated members of staff to have discussions with Social Care when concerns arise regarding the safety of a pupil in this school, and to make appropriate referrals using the CAF (Common Assessment Framework). All such pupils are closely monitored, including attendance, and where extra concerns arise these are passed on to the appropriate agencies.

Designated Governor

Our school has a designated safeguarding governor who will act as the link person between the governing body and the designated officers. The governor will review safeguarding procedures/practices including access to training. The governors will ensure that sufficient time is given to carry out the duties. Where safeguarding concerns arise regarding a member of staff, the governor will liaise with the Chair of Governors.

Staff recruitment

In line with the guidance ‘Safer Recruitment’, the Headteacher, Chair of Personnel Committee and two other governors, have completed the NCSL Safer Recruitment training. All staff, including volunteers who have access to children in our school, have been carefully selected and screened and all have had an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check prior to commencing work. All details of all appointments/checks are held in a central record.

All staff will be trained to recognise the signs of abuse and understand their responsibilities when a child may be at risk of harm. Training of all staff will be updated in line with guidance (every 2 years) and also form part of new staff induction procedures.

Children with Statements of Special Educational Needs

We recognise that many children with behavioural difficulties and disabilities are vulnerable to abuse. All staff that support these pupils will be extra aware of the need for vigilance for signs of abuse.

Safeguarding in the EYFS:

Staff in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) adhere to the main school's safeguarding policy and in addition, staff ensure that all principles underpinning the welfare of the children in the EYFS are in line with the guidelines in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework 2012.

Parents

This school believes in working closely with parents and in most cases where we have a concern about a pupil, the parents will be informed. The school can signpost and refer to a wide range of support services through the Headteacher and/or Deputy Head.

Children

Through assemblies and PSHE lessons, children have a clear understanding of how to keep themselves safe in accordance with the ‘Every Child Matters’ agenda.

Internet safety

At the beginning of the academic year, all pupils are made aware of how they can use the internet safely and how they can protect themselves from exposure to bullying/abuse. The school runs regular e-safety workshops for parents.

Preventing Radicalisation and Extremism

In line with new legislation (from 1 July 2015) that requires schools to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”, Hollymount school will follow the Merton Safeguard Children Board guidance on their website, where you will also find a parental guidance leaflet. http://www.merton.gov.uk/health-social-care